Letter: Leave your pet at home

Wednesday

Aug 13, 2014 at 5:15 PMAug 13, 2014 at 5:15 PM

Recently a friend noticed a small dog alone, in a car, in the parking lot of a local hospital. The temperature that day was in the low 70s, and the window was cracked. But having no idea how long the small dog had been alone in the vehicle and because the dog was panting, she contacted hospital security. Over the course of the next hour, hospital security and two county sheriff’s deputies came onsite. Eventually the owners returned to their car and the dog was OK.Hearing this story made me wonder: Why do dog owners take their dogs with them when they’re going to the store or an appointment? Why do dog owners take the risk of their beloved pet perishing in a hot car? What happens to your beloved pet if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident? Are they really happier riding in the car than they would be at home on their bed?An independent study sited on the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Associations) website states that the temperature inside a car can rise 40 degrees in an hour. (70 plus 40 equals 110!) It also states that cracking the windows has very little effect on the temperature rise inside a vehicle. I have a dog. She doesn’t travel in the car with me unless I’m taking her to an appointment or to walk a trail. I never leave her in the car unattended, ever.Ellie Shannon Shortsville